Every yard comes different. Planting a tree in your backyard can be great for adding some personality! The right tree benefits you and your yard with shade and privacy. But not every tree fits every space. If you pick one without considering your yard’s needs, it could lead to more trouble than it’s worth.

Get to Know Your Yard

Before you choose any tree, take time to understand the layout of your backyard. Are there structures blocking it? What’s the weather like? Do I have good soil? Things like that. Here’s what to look for and why:

Your Climate Zone: Every tree has a range of temperatures it can handle. Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to find what zone you’re in, and stick with trees that grow well in your area.
Sun and Shade: Watch your yard during the day. Ask yourself does it get full sun, partial sun, or mostly shade? Remember, trees are different so some may need six or more hours of direct sunlight, while others grow better in shade.
Soil: Soil type matters. Some trees prefer dryer soil while others like moist or clay-heavy soil. Since you can’t ask the tree, you can buy a soil test kit or ask a local garden center for advice.
Think Long Term: We don’t want any surprises. Make sure you know how tall and wide the tree will get when it’s fully grown. Trees that outgrow your space can be a cause for concern when it starts hitting power lines or other buildings.

Good Trees for Small Yards

If your backyard is on the smaller side, you’ll want trees that you know won’t be too big or too tough to handle. Here are some good trees for your smaller yard:

Japanese Maple: This tree stays a manageable size and has a nice shape. It works well in sun and shade and doesn’t grow too quickly.
Serviceberry: Serviceberry trees grow about 15 to 25 feet tall and offer flowers in spring and colorful leaves in fall. They also produce small berries that attract birds.
Eastern Redbud: This is a small tree that grows about 20 to 30 feet high. It can handle sun or light shade and flowers in early spring, adding more beauty to your yard along with the tree.
Dwarf Crabapple: These trees stay small but still offer flowers and fruit. They’re good for yards where space is limited but you still want a tree to spiffy it up as seasons change.

Good Trees for Large Yards

If your yard has more space, you can plant larger trees that provide shade and structure. Here are some good trees for a larger yard:

Red Oak or White Oak: Red and white oaks are strong and tall. Some benefits include shade and habitat for wildlife. They take time to grow but are very reliable and common.
Tulip Tree: This tree grows fast and tall. It does best in full sun and works well if you want to add height to your yard quickly.
Sweetgum: Sweetgum trees grow tall and wide. They have star-shaped leaves that turn colors as the season changes to fall. Just be aware that they drop hard seed pods. If you have any kids or animals running around, it may cause some issues.
Bald Cypress: These trees do well in wet areas and can handle poor drainage. They have a distinct look and grow straight and tall.

Trees to Avoid in Your Backyard

So, here’s what doesn’t work. Some trees are more trouble than they’re worth. Here are a few that don’t make the list of good trees for yards:

Silver Maple: Fast-growing, but the roots can crack sidewalks and driveways. The branches also break easily during storms. If you live in an area with harsher weather conditions, this is a bad choice.
Bradford Pear: These trees grow quickly and look nice in the spring, but they have weak branches and don’t hold up well over time.
Tree-of-Heaven: This invasive tree spreads fast and can be hard to control. It also has a strong smell and isn’t good for the local ecosystem.
Willow Trees: Willows grow quickly and have aggressive roots that can damage pipes or nearby structures. They also need a lot of water and maintenance. If you have any pipes underground, the tree may cause damage to them due to the strong roots.

If you already have one of these trees and it’s causing problems, Dragonetti can help with clearing residential trees so you can plant something more suitable.

How to Set Your Trees Up for Success

Once you’ve picked a tree, here are a few tips to make sure it grows well:

Leave Enough Space: Don’t plant trees too close to your house, driveway, or other trees. Give them room to thrive and grow. This is why it’s important to measure your area and understand the final form of your tree.
Plant in the Right Season: Seasons like spring or fall are usually best for tree planting. The weather is milder, making the tree feel comfortable.
Use Mulch: Mulch keeps the soil moist and helps protect young trees from weeds and weather.
Water Regularly: Especially in the first two years. Trees need watering to build strong roots.
Watch for Problems: Keep an eye out for signs of disease or damage. Early attention can prevent bigger issues later.

Better Trees, Better Yard

Choosing good trees for yards doesn’t have to be complicated. Learn about your space, avoid trees that cause more problems than benefits, and pick ones that grow well in your area. If you need to remove a tree that no longer fits, we can help clear the way. With a little planning, you’ll have a backyard that looks better and works better for years to come.